Government Acts, Rules, and Regulations on Deforestation and
Environmental Protection in Bangladesh
Bangladesh, as a developing country with significant environmental challenges, has
implemented various legal frameworks to protect its forests and environment. These
frameworks are designed to address deforestation, land use, and environmental conservation.
The following provides an in-depth analysis of the key Acts, rules, and regulations.
1. Forest Acts and Regulations
The primary focus of forest-related legislation in Bangladesh is to conserve and manage
forest resources sustainably. The key regulations include:
a. The Forest Act, 1927
The Forest Act of 1927 is the cornerstone of forest conservation in Bangladesh. It lays down
provisions for the management of forest reserves, the protection of forest produce, and
control over deforestation. Key elements include:
• Definition of Reserved Forests: Areas classified as reserved forests cannot be cleared or
exploited for non-forest activities.
• Regulation of Forest Use: Prohibits grazing, hunting, and the felling of trees without
permission from the authorities.
• Penalties for Violations: Imposes fines and imprisonment for illegal activities such as logging
or encroachment.
b. The Bangladesh Wildlife (Preservation) Order, 1973 (amended in 2002)
Although primarily focused on wildlife, this order also contributes to forest protection by
establishing protected areas where deforestation is prohibited.
• Protected Areas: Designates areas such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries where any
form of deforestation or land alteration is banned.
• Community Participation: Encourages local community participation in wildlife and forest
conservation.
c. Social Forestry Rules, 2004
These rules encourage community-based forest management and afforestation efforts, aiming
to mitigate deforestation through local participation.
• Afforestation Programs: Involves locals in plantation activities on degraded lands.
• Benefit Sharing: Communities involved in social forestry projects receive a portion of the
economic benefits from forest produce.
2. Environmental Conservation Acts and Policies
a. The Environment Conservation Act, 1995
The Environment Conservation Act (ECA), 1995, is the principal environmental law of
Bangladesh. It aims to regulate industrial pollution, protect ecosystems, and conserve natural
resources.
• Environmental Clearance: Mandates obtaining environmental clearance for projects that
may impact forests or the environment.
• Ecologically Critical Areas (ECAs): Designates ECAs where certain activities, including
deforestation, are restricted.
• Penalties: Imposes fines and penalties for deforestation and environmental degradation.
b. The Environment Conservation Rules, 1997
These rules complement the ECA by specifying procedures for obtaining environmental
clearances and categorizing industries based on their environmental impact.
• Categorization of Industries: Provides guidelines for industries in or near forest areas to
mitigate environmental damage.
• Environmental Management Plan: Requires industries to prepare and implement an
Environmental Management Plan (EMP) if located near ecologically sensitive areas.
c. National Environmental Policy, 1992
The National Environmental Policy sets a broad framework for the sustainable use of
resources, including forests. It focuses on integrating environmental concerns into national
planning.
• Sustainable Forest Management: Promotes the sustainable management of forest
resources and discourages land use that leads to deforestation.
• Community-Based Conservation: Encourages local community involvement in forest
protection.
3. Land Use and Deforestation
The legal framework addressing land use and deforestation also includes laws that regulate
the conversion of forest land into other forms of use.
a. The Chittagong Hill Tracts Regulation, 1900
This regulation addresses land use in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, where shifting cultivation
and deforestation have long been environmental concerns.
• Forest Land Protection: Prohibits the unauthorized clearing of forest land for agriculture or
other purposes.
b. The Bangladesh Land Laws
Various land laws address the unauthorized use of forest lands for settlement or agricultural
purposes. These include:
• Khas Land Management: Forest lands designated as khas (government-owned land) cannot
be privatized or cleared without approval.
• Tenure and Land Rights: Controls over the use of forest lands by local communities ensure
that they do not engage in unsustainable practices leading to deforestation.
4. International Protocols and Obligations
Bangladesh is also a signatory to several international agreements that influence its domestic
policies on forest conservation and environmental protection.
a. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
As a signatory, Bangladesh is committed to reducing carbon emissions through the
conservation of forested areas as carbon sinks.
b. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
Bangladesh is bound by the CBD to protect biodiversity, including forest ecosystems, which
are critical for sustaining biological diversity.
c. Kyoto Protocol
Through mechanisms like Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation
(REDD+), Bangladesh is also working towards mitigating climate change through forest
conservation.
5. Challenges in Enforcement
Despite the comprehensive legal framework, Bangladesh faces significant challenges in
enforcing these laws:
• Illegal Logging and Encroachment: Weak enforcement of the Forest Act and other
regulations leads to widespread illegal logging and land encroachment.
• Corruption: Corruption at various administrative levels undermines forest protection efforts.
• Lack of Resources: The forest department often lacks the manpower and financial resources
to effectively monitor and enforce deforestation regulations.
• Community Conflicts: Conflicts between forest-dependent communities and conservation
efforts sometimes lead to deforestation, especially in areas like the Chittagong Hill Tracts.
6. Recent Government Initiatives
The government has undertaken several recent initiatives to enhance the protection of forests
and the environment:
• National Forest Policy, 2016: This policy promotes afforestation and reforestation to restore
degraded forest lands.
• Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100: As part of this long-term plan, forest conservation is a key
element in combating climate change and ensuring sustainable land use.
• Community-Based Forest Management: Newer initiatives emphasize greater community
participation in forest management to ensure sustainability and reduce deforestation.
Conclusion
Bangladesh’s legal framework for addressing deforestation and environmental conservation
is extensive, combining national laws with international obligations. However, the
effectiveness of these laws depends on strong enforcement mechanisms, adequate resource
allocation, and active community participation. As the country grapples with the challenges
of deforestation and land degradation, the success of these legal frameworks will be crucial in
protecting its rich biodiversity and ensuring sustainable development.
